The official said there was no immediate indication that Price was involved in any military-related investigations or controversies.

CNN reported that military staff found Price's body with an apparent gunshot wound.

It said the Navy SEAL commander oversaw more than two dozen commandos and support staff conducting counterterrorism operations in insurgent-heavy Uruzgan.

Price was married and had a daughter. He had been a naval officer since May 1993.

Captain Robert Smith, the Group Two commander, said in a statement: "The Naval Special Warfare family is deeply saddened by the loss of our teammate. We extend our condolences, thoughts and prayers to the family, friends, and NSW community during this time of grieving.

"As we mourn the loss and honor the memory of our fallen teammate, those he served with will continue to carry out the mission."

SEAL is an acronym for sea, air, land.

SEAL Team 6 became famous after tracking down and killing Al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden, who is accused of being the architect of the September 11, 2001 attacks on the United States.